Alamogordo, Z-Trans could get a contract extension

A contract between the city of Alamogordo and the Zia Therapy Center, worth about $100,000, lasts about a year. But there is an option to extend it for three additional years.

The previous contract expired in September, according to a city agenda report.

The city commission approved the deal at a regular meeting earlier this month. The contract allows the city to pay Zia Therapy the outfit that provides the city with public transportation through its Z-Trans service $999,989 for one year of operation.

Z-Trans will bill the city monthly for a portion of its expenses, according to city documents.

The commission also officially approved the terms and conditions of a pilot project that has seen the addition of round-trip bus rides to Las Cruces on weekdays.

The city approved a $15,000 contribution to the pilot project in August. Otero County also contributed about $10,000 and Las Cruces chipped in $5,000.

According to city records, the commission has "traditionally provided public transportation services to its citizens through a contractual agreement with Zia Therapy Center."

In addition to Alamogordo and Las Cruces, Z-Trans also makes trips to Mescalero.Contact John Bear at jbear@alamogordonews.com or on Twitter @Johnbearwithme